Passenger Car Truck Workshop

RPCA Passenger Car Truck Workshop

This workshop will focus on maintenance, repair, and rebuilding passenger car trucks.    We will explain how to inspect trucks for wear and defects, etc.  You will help with jacking a passenger car and removing a truck for Inspection and maintenance.  We will show how to disassemble a truck for repair and rebuilding as needed.  Participants will also review different types of passenger car trucks, be taught about repairs and repair methods, and the various specifications for rebuilding trucks to Amtrak and other railroad requirements. This will be an extensive hands-on experience. We will also go through the truck frame tramming process, demonstrate pedestal liner removal/application, bolt cutting/removal with oxy-acetylene torches, and center plate inspection/repair. Overall, participants will learn the proper techniques to safely disassemble, repair, rebuild, and reassemble a passenger car truck.

While Amtrak will have no involvement in the workshop, at least one of the instructors will be an Amtrak Certified Private Car Inspector. While we will be discussing Amtrak standards for the work involved, this workshop is ideal for anyone who wants to learn more about inspecting and maintaining their passenger cars, whether for shortlines, tourist railroads, or museums. In order to provide the greatest possible educational experience, the workshop attendance will be capped at approximately 12 students.

The participants will take several written quizzes and have a hands-on review.  At the end of this course, successful students will receive a certificate of completion. 

Registration fee: $999 per person.

Registration fee under the age of 30: $499 per person. Attendees under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Cancellations are allowed.  If the space can be resold, there is no cancellation fee.  If the space cannot be resold, there is a 25% cancellation fee.

Participants are responsible for their own transportation, lodging, and some meals.  Lunches and possibly some other meals will be provided on-site as part of the registration fee. Recommendations for reasonably priced lodging will be provided. 

There will be some lodging available on passenger cars and cabooses at the workshop location (showers available on site) at no charge. Younger attendees will be given the first chance for these lodgings to help minimize overall costs.  

Participants should bring their own hard hats, safety glasses, work boots, and reflective vests when possible. We also recommend that you bring a laptop or tablet to access information provided electronically, although this is not required.

Please note: This workshop is being offered by the Railroad Passenger Car Alliance for its members. In order to attend you must be a RPCA member or a member of a RPCA member organization.

For additional information please contact Kenneth Bitten at 410-336-1605 or ken@classicrail.com

Event InFO:

Dates: AUG 27-30, 2026

Location: 2800 W 3rd St, Cleveland, OH 44113

Host: Midwest Railway Preservation Society

Registration fee: $999 per person*

*Discounted registration fee for attendees under the age of 30: $499 per person.

Questions?: Contact Kenneth Bitten at 410-336-1605 or ken@classicrail.com